An appeal has been launched against the decision to refuse planning permission for a block of flats next to a popular Leamington Spa pub.

Strong opposition was shown from residents and local councillors to the scheme from Punch Partnerships Ltd for The Fusilier.

Warwick District Council (WDC) refused the application for the Sydenham Drive inn last year.

The scheme would have seen a three-storey block of flats with seven homes built in the garden.

A previous application for a similar development was refused in 2023, and throwing out the latest application WDC raised concerns about the access to the site and the noise for the people living in the flats.

26 public objections were received and concerns were raised by the local community (images via Punch Partnerships)

In its appeal, Punch Partnerships said a new noise assessment has been completed for the site.

It concluded: "The council's assertion that the proposed development would result in an environment where occupiers would not have the ability to open their windows is factually incorrect."

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The appeal also gave a detailed response to the access problems.

The documents added: "In conclusion, the proposal is consistent with the development plan when read as a whole and delivers a scheme that is economically viable and environmentally responsible."

WDC will present its case before the planning inspectorate makes a decision on the application.

The full planning application documents can be found here.

The plans included four two-bedroom flats and three one-bedroom flats, along with balconies overlooking the canal on the north side (images via Punch Partnerships)